Search form

36-Hour Giving Challenge raises local awareness

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, in partnership with the Patterson Foundation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and four other supporters, are once again hosting the 36-Hour Giving Challenge, with the goal of raising money for local nonprofits.

The donation challenge was created last year, to provide an accessible fundraising campaign that would increase awareness for local nonprofits and allow donors to be more informed.

In its first year, the campaign exceeded its $1 million goal, raising $2.4 million to benefit more than 100 participating non-profit organizations. This year, the donation challenge returns with more supporting foundations, more participating nonprofits and added opportunities to raise money.

“I think the community as whole was very proud of last year’s success,” says Susie Bowie, director of The Giving Partner. “I’ve never seen that level of fundraising in a community of our size, in such short period of time. I think there was a lot of pride in that.”

From 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, donors will have the opportunity to read each nonprofit’s online profile and donate via the online donation tool, called The Giving Partner.

The Patterson Foundation is offering a 1:1 match for new and increased donations of up to $1,000 per donor, up to $430,000. An additional $215,000 in support from the Gulf Coast, Manatee and Charlotte community foundations, as well as the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, will be awarded as grants to benefit nonprofits with the best overall campaign; the best partnership with a local business; best partnership with a fellow nonprofit; and highest number of total donors.

Bowie hopes to build on the success of last year and continue to increase awareness for Sarasota’s non-profit organizations.

“We live in a very generous community,” says Bowie. “Our goal is to make the community stronger and more aware of the nonprofits that do such incredible work.”